Literary Analysis of “Samuel” by Grace Paley

Understanding the Story

Project Four: Literary Analysis of “Samuel” by Grace Paley Concise 2 ½ - 3 ½ pages before the MLA works cited page, MLA citation Style – 8th Edition, just one source (The short story “Samuel” by Grace Paley, available here), Times New Roman or standard font, 12-point, one-inch margins, consistently double-spaced without additional line spacing. In other words, use standard manuscript form. NOTE: “Samuel” is a popular short story, and there are many examples of student analyses online, but I am asking you to write your own analysis based upon your own thinking. I am asking that we operate under “the honor system,” where I trust you to do the right thing, and you reward may faith in you by doing the right thing.  Submit an Outline to the assignments folder before 11:59PM Sunday 11/28 (worth up to 10 points) Post draft for Peer Review to Discussions before 11:59PM Sunday 12/5 (worth 10 points: 2 points for posting your paper, 4 points each for two peer reviews of other students’ papers) Submit Rough Draft to the assignments folder before 11:59PM Sunday 12/5 (worth up to 10 points) Submit the Final Version to the assignments folder before 11:59PM Sunday 12/12 (worth up to 100 points) Overview: Write a five-paragraph essay on any three of the following themes in “Samuel” by Grace Paley (available here): racial prejudice, social class, social responsibility, manliness/courage, social status, loss, and empathy (See a useful list of useful literary terms and their meanings below). “Samuel” by Grace Paley “Samuel,” originally published in 1974, is more than just story about the accidental death of a young black child on an elevated train. In just 1073 words, Paley explores race, prejudice, class, courage, status, social responsibility, loss, worth, and ultimately, empathy. Readers are challenged to rethink their values, reconsider their assumptions about the boys, and experience empathy where they might not have been inclined feel it. First, you need to understand the story: Begin by reading “Samuel” several times with the following questions in mind (NOTE: you do not need to submit answers. This is just to help you understand the reading better). Notice the setting. Where and when does this story take place? What is the social context? Notice the characters. Which characters are humanized with names? How does the author describe each character? In your opinion, what motivates each character to act and react as they do? What do the characters struggle with internally; what is their conflict? What events constitute the rising action, that is, the events that build up to death of Samuel? How do the last two paragraphs challenge the assumptions made by the other passengers (and perhaps us) about the boy, his backstory, and his worth? Then, you need to develop some of your ideas into an analysis with a clear position and three main points: Write an essay focusing on three aspects of the story and how they work together to challenge the reader’s assumptions about Samuel and create empathy. You could focus on any of the following aspects/ themes: racial prejudice, social class, social responsibility, manliness/courage, social status, loss, and empathy (See a useful list of useful terms for writing about literature and their meanings below).